This year, Kazuaki is the only person based in Asia to receive this honor

Advertising Age has included Kazuaki Kuribayashi, Digital Arts Network Tokyo, on its prestigious global list, 40 under 40, which recognizes the high achievements of individuals working across the industry. Kazuaki is just 29.

Kazuaki is well-known within the Japanese industry as the “Buzz Machine” for his innate ability to identify cultural trends and insights around the internet, then translating this knowledge into breakthrough ideas for clients, creating both impact and buzz.

Kazuaki Kuribayashi joined Hakuhodo in 2011, as a social media specialist and planner, and then joined TBWA\HAKUHODO in 2014. Using a monitoring tool, he analyzes over 30,000 videos annually and developed “Buzz Acupuncture Points,” a principle that can be widely used across various platforms.

Through the application of his own theory, “Buzz Acupuncture Points,” he forensically observes conversations on social media and identifies what specific aspects will create a buzz for our clients. His passion and insights for buzz has led the agency to winning numerous awards such as Gold Lion, Spikes Asia Grand Prix, and Ad Stars Grand Prix. In 2016, Kazuaki was named Japan/Korea Young Achiever of the Year, by Campaign Asia-Pacific.

Kazuaki shares his knowledge and contributes to the industry through various activities such as writing columns for the media and speaking at conferences, events and seminars.

Advertising Age website: click here